UP Health System-Portage in Hancock has closed it’s Family Birthing Center and PortagePointe to visiting children, including siblings, due to the high numbers of respiratory illness and flu in the community.

The closure is effective immediately and is being put in place to protect the health of the newborns at the birthing center and the elders at PortagePointe.

This restriction is effective for children under the age of 12 at the birthing center, age 18 at PortagePointe, and anybody experiencing any respiratory or flu-like symptoms.